Method and apparatus for conditioning cans

ABSTRACT

A method for trimming salvage edges from container ends by axially inserting a cutter into the open end of a container surrounded by a backing member, shifting the cutter transversely of the longitudinal axis of the container and producing relative rotation between the cutter and container to trim salvage edges from the inside to the outside of the container. The apparatus for trimming salvage edges includes an elongated member rotated about an axis and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced trimming stations. Each of the trimming stations includes a fixed backing member having an opening, a container support movable between first and second positions on one side of the backing member, and a cutter supported eccentrically of a shaft on the opposite side of the backing member with the shaft being movable transversely and axially to temporarily align the cutter with the axis of the opening, and position the cutter inside the container in engagement with the container wall so that rotation of the shaft will trim the salvage edge. The cutter is designed to automatically produce an arcuate surface on the inner edge of the container wall during the cutting operation. Camming members cooperate with the shaft and the container support to move the shaft and container support to the various positions during each cycle of rotation of the elongated member.

[ METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDITIONING cANs Stanley J. Miller, Chicago,Ill.

[73] Assignee: National Can Corporation, Chicago,

Ill.

[22] Filed: Oct. 19, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 81,872

[75] Inventor:

[52] U.S. Cl 82/59 R, 82/82, 82/101 [51] Int. Cl B23b 3/04, 1323b 5/14[58] Field of Search 82/59, 46, 101, 82, 82/85, 2

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,298,366 10/1942 Gladfelteret a1 82/82 3,359,841 12/1967 Cvacho et a1 82/82 1,807,671 6/1931 Phelps82/82 3,270,620 9/1966 Wenger.... 82/101 X 1,981,260 11/1934 Yager 82/23,481,232 12/1969 Yann 82/46 1,006,574 10/1911 Lorenz 82/82 3,546,98712/1970 Procter 82/82 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 818,366 8/1959Great Britain 82/82 Primary ExaminerHarrison L. Hinson Att0rney--RobertJ. Doherty 1 Aug. 7, 1973 [57] ABSTRACT A method for trimming salvageedges from container ends by axially inserting a cutter into the openend of a container surrounded by a backing member, shifting the cuttertransversely of the longitudinal axis of the container and producingrelative rotation between the cutter and container to trim salvage edgesfrom the inside to the outside of the container. The apparatus fortrimming salvage edges includes an elongated member rotated about anaxis and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced trimmingstations. Each of the trimming stations includes a fixed backing memberhaving an opening, a container support movable between first and secondpositions on one side of the backing member, and a cutter supportedeccentrically of a shaft on the opposite side of the backing member withthe shaft being movable transversely and axially to temporarily alignthe cutter with the axis of the opening, and position the cutter insidethe container in engagement with the container wall so that rotation ofthe shaft will trim the salvage edge. The cutter is designed toautomatically produce an arcuate surface on the inner edge of thecontainer wall during the cutting operation. Camming members cooperatewith the shaft and the container support to move the shaft and containersupport to the various positions during each cycle of rotation of theelongated member.

15 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures Patented Aug. 7, 1973 3,750,501

5 Sheets-Sheet l 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 I Patented Aug. 7, 1973 Patented Aug.7, 1973 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Aug. 7, 1973 3,750,501

5 Sheets-Sheet i Patented Aug. 7, 1973 3,750,501

5 Sheets-Sheet 5 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDITIONING CANS BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to conditioningcans and more particularly to improved method and apparatus for trimmingsalvage edges from containers.

One type of container which has been used extensively in recent years iscalled a two-piece can. In the formation ofa can or container of thistype, the bottom and side walls of the container are formed bydeforming, drawing, and ironing a sheet of metal to produce asubstantially circular container having a closed end. Subsequently, thefree edge of the container is trimmed to produce a finished edge on acontainer of predetermined length. Thereafter, the free edge or rim ofthe container is flanged outwardly so that the flange may subsequentlybe utilized in connecting an end to the container by the usual doubleseaming process.

In trimming the salvage edges from the open ends of the containers, ithas been customary to position the container on a mandrel or other typeof support and force a cutter into engagement with the outer wall of thecontainer while producing relative rotation between the cutter and themandrel to remove the salvage edge. However, the removal of the salvageedge in this manner produces problems.

One of the problems encountered in trimming salvage edges by an externalcutting operation is that any burr or small tear resulting from thecutting operation is located on the inner edge of the upstanding neck ofthe container wall. Thus, when the upper end or rim is subsequentlyflanged outwardly, any burring or imperfection on the inner edge willresult in a slight tearing of the inner edge because this edge is placedin tension during the flanging operation. The tearing of the containerwall on the free end thereof during the flanging operation will resultin the possibility of having a leaker when the end of the container issubsequently seamed to the main body of the container.

While various attempts have been made to overcome the above problem, todate, no satisfactory solution has been proposed. Thus, there stillremains a need for producing a container in a manner that the internaledge of the container wall is free of any imperfection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comtemplates method andapparatus for trimming a container having a closed end to the desiredlength in a manner that the inner edge of the container wall is devoidof any imperfection which tends to produce tearing of the container wallduring the flanging operation.

In its broadest context, the present invention contemplates trimming thesalvage edge from a container by inserting a cutter internally of thecontainer and cutting the salvage edge from the internal wall to theexternal wall. With such an arrangement, the imperfection or burrsresulting from the cutting operation will be produced on the outer edgeof the wall or rim which will greatly reduce the possibility of tearingthe upper edge of the container during the flanging operation. Bycutting the salvage edge from the inside to the outside of thecontainer, imperfections, if any, such as burrs or tearing, resultingfrom the cutting operation, will be on the outer edge of the containerwall. Since the outer edge of the container wall is placed incompression during the flanging operation, the production of leakers isconsiderably reduced if not completely eliminated.

The apparatus for the trimming of salvage edges in accordance with thepresent invention includes a cutter supported eccentrically of the axisof a rotating shaft and positioned on one side of a backing memberhaving an opening corresponding to the peripheral dimension of a can,while a can support is located on the opposite side of the backingmember. The apparatus further includes means for delivering a can to thecan support, mechanism for moving the can and can support towards thebacking member to position the end of the can within the opening andmeans for inserting the cutter into the open end of the can or containerand in transverse alignment with an edge on the backing member andshifting the cutter transversely along the plane into engagement withthe container wall while producing relative rotation between the cutterand the can to remove the salvage edge.

More particularly, the apparatus of the present invention includes atrimming device rotated about a fixed axis and having a plurality oftrimming stations on the periphery thereof, with each trimming stationhaving a backing member, a can support and a cutter. A shafteccentrically supporting the cutter is rotated in a sleeve which in turnis supported in a bore by a circular member having an eccentric openingreceiving the shaft and the sleeve. The circular member is movablebetween first and second positions in the bore by cam means so as toposition the axis of the cutter in alignment with the opening axisduring a portion of each cycle of revolution of the trimming device andreturn the cutter to an eccentric position after the cutter has beeninserted into the container end and the opening in the backing member.

While the cutter is aligned with the axis of the opening, a furthercamming mechanism interposed between a fixed support and the sleevemoves the cutter from a retracted to an extended position to align thecutting edge of the cutter with a back edge on the backing member. Theapparatus further includes mechanism for continuously rotating the shaftso that the salvage edge is automatically removed when the cutter isinserted into the container end and is shifted to an eccentric positionrelative to the axis of the opening.

Each cutting station further includes means for insuring removal of thesalvage edge from the cutter when the cutter is moved between theextended and retracted positions. In addition, each cutter incorporatesmeans for producing an arcuate surface between the inner surface and endsurface of the container wall while the salvage edge is being removed.

The method of the present invention contemplates the steps ofsurrounding the container end with the backing member, axially insertinga cutter into the open end of the container, shifting the cuttertransversely of the longitudinal axis of the container and intoengagement with the container wall and producing relative rotationbetween the cutter and the container to remove the salvage edge from thecontainer end.

As will'be appreciated, inserting the cutter internally of the containerand forcing the cutter into engagement with the'inner wall will resultin an inner edge that is free of any burrs or other imperfections whichnormally are encountered during the cutting operation of this type. Anyburrs or other types of imperfections will necessarily be produced onthe outer edge of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an end viewof the trimming apparatus constructed in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the trimming apparatus and partly insection to show the details of one trimming station;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a cutter and its supportingmechanism for one trimming station;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the container support mechanismfor one of the trimming stations;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a finished can; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the movement of the various partsand the position thereof during each cycle of revolution of the trimmingdevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION While this invention is susceptible of embodimentin many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinbe described in detail one specific embodiment, with the understandingthat the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification ofthe principles of the invention and is not intended to limit theinvention to the embodiment illustrated.

FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings disclose a can trimming apparatusconstructed in accordance with the present invention and generallydesignated by the reference numeral 10. The trimming device consists ofa shaft 12 (FIG. 2) supported for rotation at opposite ends on fixeduprights 14 through bearings 16. A member or cutter support mechanism 18is keyed at 20 to the shaft 12 for rotation therewith. First and secondaxially spaced flanges 22 and 24 each have hubs 26, 28 respectivelysecured to the shaft 12 through the key 20 and a second key 30 so thatthe member 18, the flange 26 and the flange 28 rotate as a unit and maybe termed to define an elongated rotating member.

A plurality of cutting stations 32 are located at circumferentiallyspaced points on the periphery of the rotating member. Each of thecutting stations 32 includes a cutter and supporting mechanism,generally designated as 34 in FIG. 2, cooperating with the member 18, abacking member 36 defined by flange 26 and container support means 38.As more clearly shown in FIG. 2, the cutter and supporting mechanism 34is located on one side of the backing member 36 and the containersupport mechanism or means 38 is located on the opposite side of thebacking member 36.

As shown in FIG. 1, the trimming device includes means 40 for feedingcontainers or cans to the container support means at one location on theperiphery of the rotating member. In the illustrated embodiment, themeans for feeding includes a screw 42 having a shaft 43 supported forrotation at its opposite ends on brackets 44, forming part of a base 46.The screw 42 cooperates with a fixed guide 48 to define an elongatedopening 50 through which cans 52 are fed along a path intersecting theperiphery of the trimming device. Thus, rotation of the screw 42 in anappropriate direction through suitable drive means 54 (to be describedlater) will sequentially feed the cans or containers 52 to each of thetrimming stations in timed relation to the rotation of the trimmingdevice, as will become more apparent hereinafter.

In order to gain ready access to the entire periphery of the trimmingdevice and to the various parts of the feed means 40, the feed means ispreferably supported for pivotal movement by at least one arm 58 rotatedabout a shaft 56 supported on uprights l4 and spaced from the peripheryof the elongated member or drum. The opposite end of arm 58 is connectedto an extension 60 extending from the opposite side of the base 46 andwith the extension having an opening 62 for receiving a pin 64. A fixedsupport is defined adjacent the periphery of the trimming device 10 andhas a corresponding opening (not shown) so that alignment of the twoopenings and insertion ofa pin 64 will maintain the feed means 40 infixed relation to the periphery of the trimming device 10. However, ifit is desirable to gain access to the periphery of the device 10 or thelower end of the feed means 40, it is only necessary to remove pin 64and pivot the entire feed means 40 about the shaft or pivot pin 56.

Returning now to the construction of each of the trimming stations (FIG.3), the backing member 36 has an opening for each of the stationsdefined in the flange 22 with a backing element 72 received in anenlarged recess 74 defined in one surface of the flange 22 and retainedtherein by bolts 75. The backing element 72 has opening 76 defining theedge 78 with the opening 76 as well as the opening 70 corresponding incrosssectional configuration to the peripheral size of the can orcontainer 52, for a purpose that will become apparent hereinafter.

The container support means 38 at each of the trimming stations 32 ismore clearly shown in FIG. 4 and includes a cradle 80 fixedly secured toa pair of guide rods 82. The cradle 80 consists of a pair of axiallyspaced arms 84 each having a recess 86 corresponding in cross-sectionalconfiguration to approximately onehalf of the container body. Thecontainer support means 38 further includes releasable retaining means90 adjacent the cradle for holding the container in fixed relation tothe cradle. The releasable retaining means 90 consists of a plate 92extending upwardly from and fixed to the guide rods 82 with anon-metallic element 94 secured to one face thereof which is injuxtaposed relation to the cradle 80. The plate 92 and element 94 have acontinuous opening 96 therein. The opening 96 defines a recess adjacentthe cradle and the releasable retaining means 90 further includes meansfor producing a vacuum in said recess. 7

The vacuum in the recess 96 is created by attaching a vacuum source (notshown) to a flexible conduit 98 having one end threadedly received intoone end of opening 99 which is an extension of the opening or recess 96.The opposite end of the conduit 98 received in an opening 100 in theflange 24 and this opening communicates with a bore 101.

The remainder of the mechanism .for attaching a source of vacuum to therecess or opening 96 includes a ring 102 fixedly secured to a member 104through bolts 106 with the member 104 being held in a fixedposition onthe support 14. The member 104 has a bore or opening 108 extending theentire length thereof along the axis of the shaft with a vacuum source(not shown) connected to the outer end of the opening. The ring 102 alsohas a bore opening 110 aligned with the opening 108. One surface 112 ofthe ring 102 is in constant engagement with surface 113 on flange 24 andhas an elongated arcuate recess 114 which extends circumferentiallyalong the ring or plate a distance less than the entire circumferencethereof, as will be described hereinafter.

The surfaces 112 and 113 are maintained in contacting engagement witheach other through an adjusting mechanism, which will now be described.The adjusting mechanism includes a hub 120 having one end in engagementwith a spacer 122, the opposite end of which is in engagement with asplit ring 124 (FIG. 2) received in a recess 126 in the shaft 12. Thehub 120 has a plurality of adjustable screws 128 (FIG. 4) threadedlyreceived in openings 130 in a flange 131 extending from hub 120 with thescrews maintained in an adjusted position through lock nuts 132. Thus,the degree of engagement of the surfaces 112 and 113 can readily be setby adjustment of the set screws 128. If desired, suitable biasing means,such as springs, may also be interposed between the adjacent surfaces ofhubs 28 and 120 to act as a biasing force in lieu of or in addition tothe adjustment screws 128.

The container support mechanism 38 further includes drive means forproducing relative movement between the container support means 80 andthe backing member 36. The illustrated embodiment of the drive means forthe container support means will be best understood by referring toFlGS. l, 2 and 4. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the respective guide rods82 are slidably received in openings 140 respectively defined on theflanges 22 and 24 with the openings being aligned with each other.Suitable bearing means 142 may be interposed between the guide rods andthe respective flanges.

The means for producing relative movement further includes a drivemember 144 fixedly secured to the opposite end of the guide rods 82 witha pair of cam followers 146 secured to a bracket 148 connected to theends of the rod. A pair of camming surfaces 150 are defined in axiallyspaced locations on the member 104 and receive the respective camfollowers 146. The camming surfaces 150 are developed in such a mannerthat the cradle 80 and releasable holding means 90 are in a firstposition for receiving containers when the eradle passes the feed means40; moves the cradle 80 and the releasable means 90 to a second positionin which the container end is disposed within the opening '70, 76 in thebacking member 36; and returns the container support means to the firstposition after the trimming operation has been completed to allow thecontainer to be removed from the support means. A development of thecamming surfaces will be described in more detail hereinafter.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the cutter and cutter support means 32 will nowbe described. The cutter support means includes a shaft 200 rotatablysupported within a sleeve 202 which in turn is supported within aneccentric opening 204 defined in a circular member 206 which issupported within a bore 208 defined in the rotating member 18. The shaft200 has an eccentric pin 210 extending from one end thereof with acutter 212 supported on the pin 210 and retained thereon by a nut 214.The cutter is formed in two elements 212a and 21211 interconnected byscrews 215 with the element 212b having a conical outer surface 216cooperating with element 212a to define a small shoulder 218, for apurpose which will be described later.

The cutting section of each trimming station further includes means forrotating the shaft 200 to produce relative movement or rotation betweenthe cutter and the backing member 36 for removing the salvage edge fromthe container, as will be described in more detail hereinafter. Thedrive means for the shaft 200 includes a gear 220 fixedly secured to theopposite end of the shaft 200 and in constant mesh with a fixed gear 222defined on the periphery of a hub 224 (FIG. 2) which is secured to theupright fixed support 14 by bolts 226. Thus, rotation of the shaft 12and the member 18 will cause relative rotation of the shaft 200 withinthe sleeve 202. To reduce the friction force opposing rotation betweenthe sleeve 202 and shaft 200, suitable bearing means 228 may beinterposed between opposite ends of the sleeve and the shaft.

The cutter support mechanism 34 further includes means for moving thecutter 212 axially and transversely of the opening 76, in the backingmember 36. This latter means includes first means for shifting the shaft200 transversely of its axis between first and second positions andsecond means for axially shifting the shaft relative to the axis of theopening 70 when the shaft is in a predetermined position. The means formoving the shaft axially consists of a bracket 230 fixed to one end ofsleeve 202 and rotatably supporting a rod 232 having cam followers 234secured to the opposite ends thereof. The cam followers 234 respectivelycooperate with opposed camming surfaces 236, 237 defined on members 238,239 that are fixedly secured to the upright 114 by bolts 240 andinterconnecting elements 241 for member 239. The two camming surfaces236, 237 are developed in such a manner that the shaft (1) will beshifted axially toward the opening 70, 76 after the container end hasbeen received in the opening, (2) maintain the cutter in the forwardposition while the salvage edge is being removed during rotation of themember 18 and (3) return the cutter to its original position after thecutting operation has been completed. A further discussion of thecamming surfaces 236, 237 will be described in connection with theoverall operation of the unit.

The means for moving the shaft transversely of the axis of the container52 and the opening 70, 76 to position the cutter 212 in a first positionwhere the cutter is aligned with the opening axis and a second positionwhere the cutter is eccentric to the opening axis consists of an arm 250fixedly secured to the sleeve supporting member 206 by bolts 252. Thefree end of the arm has a cam follower 254 rotatable thereon andcooperating with a camming surface 256 defined on the member 258. Thecamming'surface is partially shown in FIG. 1 and has a major portionthereof concentric to the'center of the shaft 12 so that the cuttersupport shaft will be located in a position concentric with the axis ofthe opening 70, 76, thereby rotating the cutter eccentrically of saidaxis. However, the camming surface 256 has a flattened or chordalportion arranged and developed in a manner that the sleeve supportingmember 206 will be rotated within bore'208 to position the axis of thecutter 212 along the axis of the opening. This is accomplished as thecutter is moved across the first location or loading station L whereincontainers are fed to each trimming station. Thereafter, the sleevesupporting member 206 is again returned to a second position, shown inFIG. 3, where the cutter axis is eccentric to the axis of the opening70.

Each trimming station also includes means cooperating with the cutter toinsure removal of the salvage edge from the edge. This means is shown asa plate 260 interposed between the backing member 36 and the cuttersupport with an opening 262 in plate 260 and corresponding in size tothe opening 76. Thus, any salvage on the cutter will engage a surface ofthe plate 260 while the cutter passes through the opening in the plateto insure removal of the salvage from the cutter.

The remainder of the trimming device 10 includes drive means for drivingthe main shaft 12 and the drive mechanism 54 forming part of the feedmeans 40. The drive mechanism includes a drive shaft 270 (FIG. 2)supported for rotation on the uprights 14 through bearings 272. Shaft270 has a sprocket 274 fixedly secured thereto and aligned with a secondsprocket 276 forming part of the drive mechanism 54. A sprocket chain278 is entrained over the two sprockets 274 and 276 while the shaft 270is driven through a suitable motor 280.

The drive shaft has a further gear 281 keyed thereto and in constantmesh with a gear 282 fixed to the main shaft 12. Thus, operation of themotor 280 will produce synchronized rotation of the screw 42 on the feedmechanism and the shaft 12 which has the member 18 and the flanges 22and 24 keyed thereto. With this arrangement, and an appropriateselection of pitch of the screw 42, the containers 52 will besequentially fed to the loading station L as each cradle 82 passes theloading station L.

The relative movement of the various parts for each of the trimmingstations will now be described with particular reference to theschematic illustration of FIG. 5. Assuming the trimming device isrotating in a clockwise direction as viewed from the lefthand end of theshaft of FIG. 1, as a trimming station 32 approaches the loading stationor first location, generally designated by the line L, the containersupport means is in a retracted position and the shaft 200 is beingmoved transversely of the axis of shaft 12 to locate the cutter 212 inaxial alignment with the opening. When the cutter reaches the loadingstation L, which is defined by the path of movement of the containersthrough the feed means 40, the synchronized movement of the containerson the feed means will cause a container to be released from the lowerend of drive screw 40 as the container support means for the cradle islocated in alignment with the path of the containers. Just prior to thecontainer support means reaching the loadingstation L, a vacuum will beapplied to the conduit 98 at a point in the cycle of rotation designatedby the line V so that the container will immediately be held in fixedrelation on the cradle 80 by the vacuum source. During approximately thenext 55 of rotation of the device 10, the cam followers 146 and camsurfaces 150 cooperate to move the container forwardly from the firstposition to a second position where the open end of the container is inthe opening 70, 76 and the salvage edge extends beyond the edge 78. Atapproximately 30 from the loading station L, the camming surfaces 236,237 are configured to shift the shaft 200 and sleeve 202 axially towardsthe open end of the container. At this time, the camming surface 256 andthe associated cam follower 254 maintain the sleeve supporting member206 in a second position wherein the axis of the cutter 212 is alignedwith the axis of the opening 70, 76. Thus, the cutter is inserted intothe open end of the container and the cutting edge is transverselyaligned with the back ing edge 78.

At approximately from the loading station, the camming surface 256 iscontoured to shift the axis of the cutter transversely of the axis ofthe container and the opening 70, 76 to locate the axis of the shaft 200in alignment with the container center and the opening center therebyforcing the shoulder of the cutter into engagement with the inner wallof the container. This movement occurs between the 45 and locations fromthe loading station L. It should be noted that the cutter ls located inits forwardmost position with the edge in transverse alignment with thebacking edge 78 prior to the completion of the shifting of the cuttertransversely of the axis of the opening. Such movement is completedapproximately midway between the shifting of the cutter transverselyinto a cutting position.

During the next approximately the camming surfaces 236, 237 and 256 havea dwell portion to maintain the cutter in the cutting position. Duringsuch rotation of approximately 120, the relative movement of the member18 to the fixed gear 222 will cause rotation of the shaft 200 throughgear 220 and trim the salvage edge from the end of the container. Thecutting operation is completed as the trimming station reaches the linedesignated by the reference numeral C. It should be noted that accordingto one aspect of the invention, the confuguration of the cutter elements212a and 21% will produce an arcuate or radial surface 52a between theinner surface 52b and end surface 520 of the container wall as shown inFIG. 5, while the cutting operation is performed. This operation is atleast some times called burnishing.

During approximately the next 55 of rotation the camming surfaces arecontoured to return the container support cradle 80 to its retractedposition shown in FIG. 2, and the camming surfaces 236, 237 arecontoured to return the cutter 212 to its retracted position. Just priorto the container reaching the unloading station designated by the lineU, the vacuum is released so as to allow the container to drop bygravity from the open cradle. It should be noted that the vacuumtherefore is applied as the trimming station approaches the loadingstation and is removed as the trimming station reaches the unloadingstation to deposit the container at the unloading station. Statedanother way, the circumferential extent of the recess 114 isapproximately 275, as shown in FIG. 5, and will thus produce a vacuum onthe container during approximately two-thirds of each cycle ofrevolution of the trimming station.

While the trimming station is moved approximately 90, between theunloading station and the loading sta tions, the shaft 200 is againshifted from a first position to a second position to align the axis ofthe cutter with the axis of the opening while the container supportmeans and the shaft 200 are maintained in their fully retracted positionby appropriate configuration of the camming surfaces 150 and 236, 237.When the trimming station approaches the loading station L, the vacuumis again applied to the conduit 98 and the operation is repeated.

The method of removing salvage edges by operation of the trimming devicewill now be briefly summarized. The motor 280 is operated to drive theshaft 270 at a constant speed thereby rotating shaft 12 and screw 42 insynchronized relation so that a container support means is disposed inthe path of the containers as each container is released from the screw.At this time, the container support means is in the fully retractedposition and the cutter is in a retracted position and axially alignedwith the opening 70. Just prior to the container support means reachingthe loading station L, the vacuum is applied to the recess 96 so thatthe container is immediately fixed within the cradle upon beingdeposited therein.

As the container moves from the first location or loading station L tothe second station or unloading station U, the camming means 146 and 150act as drive means to shift the container support means 38 and thecontainer 52 axially of the opening 70 from a first position to a secondposition for a trimming operation and return the container support meansto the first position after the trimming is completed. Also, during suchmovement between the two locations, the sleeve or support means 202 forthe shaft 200 is shifted axially within the bore 208 to locate theshoulder or cutting edge 218 of the cutter in transverse alignment withthe backing edge 78 by the positive drive means defined by cam means234, 236 and 237. While such action is occurring, the cam means 254 and256 cooperate to maintain the sleeve supporting member 206 in a positionwhere the axis of the cutter 212 is aligned with the axis of the opening70. As the cutter 212 approaches its forwardmost position, the cam means254 and 256 cooperate to return the cutter to an eccentric position andduring the entire time of this movement, the shaft 200 and the eccentriccutter are constantly being rotated by the gear 220 and the fixed gear222. After the salvage edge has been completely removed, the containersupport and the cutter are returned to their retracted positions, andduring such retraction, the cutter edge is moved in close proximity tothe edge of the opening in plate 260 to remove the salvage edge whichmay be adhered to the cutting edge. The salvage edge then drops bygravity into the suitable collection trough (not shown).

From the above description, it will be seen that the present inventioncontemplates a method of trimming salvage edges from open endedcontainers which includes moving or rotating a member having a pluralityof cutting stations along a path, feeding a continuous supply of cansalong a second path intersecting with the first path to deliver a can toeach of the stations. The cans are received on and supported in a fixedposition at each station and surrounded with a backing member while arotating cutter is inserted into the open ended container and positionedeccentrically to the axis of the container while constantly beingrotated to automatically remove the salvage edge. To insert the cutterinto the container, the cutter is shifted transversely of the axis totemporarily align the cutter axis and the opening axis and the cutter ismoved axially of the container and the opening axis while being in axialalignment therewith. In. addition, the inner edge of the cut end of thecontainer is slightly deformed to produce an arcuate surfaceinterconnecting the inner surface and the upper edge of the containerend.

It will be appreciated that the present method and apparatus willtherefore eliminate the possibility of producing an irregularity on theinner edge of the container wall or on the inner edge of the rim of thecontainer because any imperfections on the container wall will normallyoccur as the cutter is breaking through the container wall. With thepresent arrangement, such imperfections, if any, will be produced on theouter edge and will be placed in compression to substantially reduce ifnot eliminate the tearing of the free edge of the rim during theflanging operation.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for trimming salvage edges from open ends of containersincluding means for feeding a plurality of containers along a path; atrimming device located adjacent an end of said path; a plurality oftrimming stations on said device; and moving means for said device tolocate respective trimming stations in alignment with said path; theimprovement of each of said trimming stations comprising containersupport means; a backing member having an opening corresponding to theperipheral size of said containers; means producing relative movementbetween said container support means and said backing member to positionsaid open end of said container in said openings; a cutter; cuttersupport means for positioning said cutter adjacent said backing member,said cutter support means including a shaft supported for rotation andhav' ing a fixed eccentric pin with said cutter rotated on saideccentric pin; means for moving said shaft axially and transversely ofsaid opening and said container to position said cutter into engagementwith the internal wall of said container; and means for rotating saidshaft to remove the salvage edge from said container.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, in which said means for moving saidshaft comprises first means for shifting said shaft transversely of saidaxis to momentarily align said cutter with the center of said opening,and second means for axially shifting said shaft while said cutter isaligned with the center of said opening.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, in which said first means comprisesa circular member having an eccentric opening therein receiving saidshaft, said device having a bore with said circular member beingsupported for rotational movement in said bore; and means for rotatingsaid circular member in said bore between first and second positions.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, in which said second means comprisescam means for moving said shaft between first and second positions.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, in which said container supportmeans comprises a cradle and releasable means adjacent said cradle forholding said container in fixed relation to said cradle and in whichsaid means producing relative movement includes cammeans for moving saidcradle and releasable means axially of said opening between first andsecond positions towards and away from said backing member.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 7, in which said releasable meanscomprises means defining a recess adjacent said cradle and meansproducing a vacuum in said recess.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including the further improvement ofmeans for producing an arcuate surface between the inner surface and endsurface of said container wall when said salvage edge is removed.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, in which said trimming deviceincludes a rotating member having a plurality of circumferentiallyspaced axially extending bores; one of said cutter support meansreceived in each of said bores; and said means for producing relativerotation between said cutter and backing member comprises a fixed gearadjacent said rotating member and a gear carried by each of said shaftsand in mesh with said fixed gear.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 10, in which said cutter support meanseach include and a sleeve rotatably supporting said shaft; and in whichsaid means for moving said shaft axially and transversely each comprise(1) a sleeve support member rotatable in said bore and having an openingeccentric to the axis of said bore and means for moving said sleevesupport member between a first position in which the axis of the cutteris aligned with the backing member opening and a second position inwhich the axis of the cutter is eccentric to the axis of the backingmember opening and (2) drive means for axially shifting said sleevesupport member axially between first and second positions in said boreduring each revolution of said rotating member.

10. Apparatus as defined in claim 11, in which said container supportmeans comprises a cradle aligned with each of said bores and cradleguide means rotatable with said rotating member and slidably supportingsaid cradle; and in which said means producing relative movement betweensaid container support means and said backing member comprises means forshifting each cradle from a first position, when the associated cutteris aligned with said backing member opening, to a second position, andreturn the cradle to the first position when the salvage edge has beenremoved.

11. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including the further improvementof means cooperating with each of said cutters insuring removal of thesalvage edges from the cutters.

12. A trimming mechanism for removing a salvage edge from an end of acircular container closed at its opposite end comprising: a trimmingstation with a backing member fixed with respect to said trimmingstation, said backing member having an opening corresponding to theconfiguration of the outer periphery of the container, said memberhaving an edge surrounding said container and located in a planeextending perpendicular to the axis of said opening; container supportmeans located on one side of said fixed backing member; drive meanscooperating with said container support member for moving said containeraxially of said opening between a first position for receiving containerand second position where the open end of the container is located inthe opening; a cutter; cutter support means for said cutter; first meansfor moving said cutter support means axially of said opening between afirst position where the cutter is spaced from said backing member and asecond position where the cutter is located in the opening and thecontainer with a cutting edge aligned with said edge; second means formoving said cutter support means transversely of said opening to havethe cutting edge in engagement with the inner surface of the container;and means for rotating said cutter support means, said cutter supportmeans including a shaft having an eccentric pin supporting said cutter,and said second means including a sleeve rotatably supporting saidshaft, said sleeve having a first position where the axis of said shaftis aligned with the axis of said opening and a second position where theaxis of said shaft is transversely offset from the axis of said opening.

13. A trimming mechanism as defined in claim 12, in which said containersupport means comprises a cradle for receiving a container with thecontainer axis aligned with the axis of said opening; and holding meansmaintaining the container in fixed relation to said cradle.

14. Apparatus for simultaneously trimming salvage edges from open endsof a plurality of containers comprising a rotating member having aplurality of circumferentially spaced bores; a flange axially spacedfrom one end of said bore and fixed for rotation with said member, saidflange having a plurality of openings respectively axially aligned withrespective bores; container support means adjacent each opening; meansfor feeding containers to said container support means at one locationand removing containers at a second location circumferentially spacedfrom said first location; drive means for shifting said containersupport means axially of said opening from a first position to a secondposition and return said container support means to said first positionas said container is moved between said locations; a cutter for eachbore; a shaft for each cutter; said shafts each having one of saidcutters fixed to one end at a location eccentric to the axis thereof;support'means supporting each shaft for normal rotation about an axisconcentric to the associated bore axis so that said cutter is rotatedabout the bore axis; first means cooperating with said bores and supportmeans to align the axis of each cutter with the axis of associatedopening at said first location; second means for shifting said supportmeans axially of said bores when the cutter axis is aligned with theopening axis; and drive means for rotating said shafts to remove salvageedges from the containers.

15. A trimming mechanism as defined in claim 12, in which the trimmingstation has a bore located on the opposite side of said backing memberwith the axis of the bore aligned with the axis of theopening and thesleeve is rotatable between first and second positions in the bore, andin which the sleeve has a circular opening having an axis eccentric tothe'axis of said bore and said shaft rotatably supported in the openingin said sleeve. t i

1. Apparatus for trimming salvage edges from open ends of containersincluding means for feeding a plurality of containers along a path; atrimming device located adjacent an end of said path; a plurality oftrimming stations on said device; and moving means for said device tolocate respective trimming stations in alignment with said path; theimprovement of each of said trimming stations comprising containersupport means; a backing member having an opening corresponding to theperipheral size of said containers; means producing relative movementbetween said container support means and said backing member to positionsaid open end of said container in said openings; a cutter; cuttersupport means for positioning said cutter adjacent said backing member,said cutter support means including a shaft supported for rotation andhaving a fixed eccentric pin with said cutter rotated on said eccentricpin; means for moving said shaft axially and transversely of saidopening and said container to position said cutter into engagement withthe internal wall of said container; and means for rotating said shaftto remove the salvage edge from said container.
 2. Apparatus as definedin claim 1, in which said means for moving said shaft comprises firstmeans for shifting said shaft transversely of said axis to momentarilyalign said cutter with the center of said opening, and second means foraxially shifting said shaft while said cutter is aligned with the centerof said opening.
 3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, in which said firstmeans comprises a circular member having an eccentric opening thereinreceiving said shaft, said device having a bore with said circularmember being supported for rotational movement in said bore; and meansfor rotating said circular member in said bore between first and secondpositions.
 4. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, in which said secondmeans comprises cam means for moving said shaft between first and secondpositions.
 5. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, in which said containersupport means comprises a cradle and releasable means adjacent saidcradle for holding said container in fixed relation to said cradle andin which said means producing relative movement includes cam means formoving said cradle and releasable means axially of said opening betweenfirst and second positions towards and away from said backing member. 6.Apparatus as defined in claim 5, in which said releasable meAnscomprises means defining a recess adjacent said cradle and meansproducing a vacuum in said recess.
 7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1,including the further improvement of means for producing an arcuatesurface between the inner surface and end surface of said container wallwhen said salvage edge is removed.
 8. Apparatus as defined in claim 1,in which said trimming device includes a rotating member having aplurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending bores; one ofsaid cutter support means received in each of said bores; and said meansfor producing relative rotation between said cutter and backing membercomprises a fixed gear adjacent said rotating member and a gear carriedby each of said shafts and in mesh with said fixed gear.
 9. Apparatus asdefined in claim 8, in which said cutter support means each include anda sleeve rotatably supporting said shaft; and in which said means formoving said shaft axially and transversely each comprise (1) a sleevesupport member rotatable in said bore and having an opening eccentric tothe axis of said bore and means for moving said sleeve support memberbetween a first position in which the axis of the cutter is aligned withthe backing member opening and a second position in which the axis ofthe cutter is eccentric to the axis of the backing member opening and(2) drive means for axially shifting said sleeve support member axiallybetween first and second positions in said bore during each revolutionof said rotating member.
 10. Apparatus as defined in claim 9,037512878in which said container support means comprises a cradle aligned witheach of said bores and cradle guide means rotatable with said rotatingmember and slidably supporting said cradle; and in which said meansproducing relative movement between said container support means andsaid backing member comprises means for shifting each cradle from afirst position, when the associated cutter is aligned with said backingmember opening, to a second position, and return the cradle to the firstposition when the salvage edge has been removed.
 11. Apparatus asdefined in claim 1, including the further improvement of meanscooperating with each of said cutters insuring removal of the salvageedges from the cutters.
 12. A trimming mechanism for removing a salvageedge from an end of a circular container closed at its opposite endcomprising: a trimming station with a backing member fixed with respectto said trimming station, said backing member having an openingcorresponding to the configuration of the outer periphery of thecontainer, said member having an edge surrounding said container andlocated in a plane extending perpendicular to the axis of said opening;container support means located on one side of said fixed backingmember; drive means cooperating with said container support member formoving said container axially of said opening between a first positionfor receiving container and second position where the open end of thecontainer is located in the opening; a cutter; cutter support means forsaid cutter; first means for moving said cutter support means axially ofsaid opening between a first position where the cutter is spaced fromsaid backing member and a second position where the cutter is located inthe opening and the container with a cutting edge aligned with saidedge; second means for moving said cutter support means transversely ofsaid opening to have the cutting edge in engagement with the innersurface of the container; and means for rotating said cutter supportmeans, said cutter support means including a shaft having an eccentricpin supporting said cutter, and said second means including a sleeverotatably supporting said shaft, said sleeve having a first positionwhere the axis of said shaft is aligned with the axis of said openingand a second position where the axis of said shaft is transverselyoffset from the axis of said opening.
 13. A trimming mechanism asdefined in claim 12, in which said conTainer support means comprises acradle for receiving a container with the container axis aligned withthe axis of said opening; and holding means maintaining the container infixed relation to said cradle.
 14. Apparatus for simultaneously trimmingsalvage edges from open ends of a plurality of containers comprising arotating member having a plurality of circumferentially spaced bores; aflange axially spaced from one end of said bore and fixed for rotationwith said member, said flange having a plurality of openingsrespectively axially aligned with respective bores; container supportmeans adjacent each opening; means for feeding containers to saidcontainer support means at one location and removing containers at asecond location circumferentially spaced from said first location; drivemeans for shifting said container support means axially of said openingfrom a first position to a second position and return said containersupport means to said first position as said container is moved betweensaid locations; a cutter for each bore; a shaft for each cutter; saidshafts each having one of said cutters fixed to one end at a locationeccentric to the axis thereof; support means supporting each shaft fornormal rotation about an axis concentric to the associated bore axis sothat said cutter is rotated about the bore axis; first means cooperatingwith said bores and support means to align the axis of each cutter withthe axis of associated opening at said first location; second means forshifting said support means axially of said bores when the cutter axisis aligned with the opening axis; and drive means for rotating saidshafts to remove salvage edges from the containers.
 15. A trimmingmechanism as defined in claim 12, in which the trimming station has abore located on the opposite side of said backing member with the axisof the bore aligned with the axis of the opening and the sleeve isrotatable between first and second positions in the bore, and in whichthe sleeve has a circular opening having an axis eccentric to the axisof said bore and said shaft rotatably supported in the opening in saidsleeve.